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Cajun
7th November 2008, 12:27
Came across this comment


While Honda haven’t shown the much-anticipated VFR1000 this year, they’ve announced they will make an all-new V4-powered bike, which will be out in the market by early 2010. No word on what this bike will actually be – an all-out sportsbike, sports-tourer or something else.

along with this

Honda have also announced that they will be working on the development of a ‘next generation’ transmission, which would be based on dual-clutch technology. According to a company press release, this would combine the advantages of race and road transmission set-ups, and will provide dynamic and smoother gear shifts, with less impact on the chassis.

Honda believes its next generation transmission will help improve the riding experience and will provide better fuel economy and more efficient power transfer compared to the conventional manual transmission.


source = http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2008/11/honda-to-produce-all-new-v4-powered.html

motorbyclist
11th December 2008, 12:18
bump

if they were even to put the old rvf 750 and 400 back into production with fuel injection i bet there'd be a market for them... i'd buy both if i had the money (or alteast enough to make a deposit)

xwhatsit
11th December 2008, 13:24
bump

if they were even to put the old rvf 750 and 400 back into production with fuel injection i bet there'd be a market for them... i'd buy both if i had the money (or alteast enough to make a deposit)
Yes but weren't those two bikes sold at a loss? Wouldn't be any cheaper to make them today, one would expect. Hardly an incentive for them to sell them again, even if they sold like hotcakes.

motorbyclist
12th December 2008, 00:31
well then they could just charge the exorbitant prices that ducati does....

or more preferably, take another loss :D

The Lone Rider
12th December 2008, 07:39
Please be a 1.0L or bigger VF C

Please be a 1.0L or bigger VF C

Please be a 1.0L or bigger VF C

Please be a 1.0L or bigger VF C

:D

vifferman
12th December 2008, 09:14
Please be a 1.0L or bigger VF C
Dream on.
Whatever it is, it's bound to be lame.
Honda don't give a crap about what bikers want.

wbks
12th December 2008, 10:58
Yet you ride one.^^^
Wouldn't it be cool if they did a real race rep again and made a true roadgoing (and obviously a hell of a lot slower) RC212V Rather then just putting the same fairing shape on a cbr like they do now... Kinda like the old rg500's to copy the rgvr's...

vifferman
12th December 2008, 11:20
Yet you ride one.
Yes. Coz I'm a dick.
And don't test-ride enough bikes each time I get another one.
However, I can blame my wife for this one. She made me buy it.

I still like it though!
But soon I will have wrecked it. :spanking:
And then my wife will say "You're OLD! Give it up!"
Then I'll have to kill her, in a non-obvious way, of course.<_<
She's well insured, so I will then be able to buy a proper (non-ghey) bike.
Although buying another ghey bike might be a good idea, because after I've killed her, I'll have no-one to have sex with.
Oh wait... it'll be the same as now: having sex with myself. :confused:

wbks
12th December 2008, 11:30
Thats possibly the strangest post I've come across in a while. I'll neave it at that...

vifferman
12th December 2008, 11:42
Thats possibly the strangest post I've come across in a while. I'll neave it at that...
Chicken! Go on - you know you can't leave it alone.
Poke it with a stick or summat.:Pokey:

pritch
12th December 2008, 14:29
Yes. Coz I'm a dick.
And don't test-ride enough bikes each time I get another one.
However, I can blame my wife for this one. She made me buy it.

I still like it though!
But soon I will have wrecked it. :spanking:
And then my wife will say "You're OLD! Give it up!"
Then I'll have to kill her, in a non-obvious way, of course.<_<
She's well insured, so I will then be able to buy a proper (non-ghey) bike.
Although buying another ghey bike might be a good idea, because after I've killed her, I'll have no-one to have sex with.
Oh wait... it'll be the same as now: having sex with myself. :confused:


That was strangely disturbing, perhaps you should try a little granny nap...

Ah well only one hour to go and it's a homer :beer:

wbks
12th December 2008, 14:31
That was strangely disturbingTell me about it:mellow:

vifferman
12th December 2008, 14:38
That was strangely disturbing
I'm strangely disturbed at the moment. :blink:
Dunno if I can stand another 83 minutes of my computer throwing a spazz and KB being rather boring...

wbks
12th December 2008, 14:43
KB being rather boring...What do you suggest we do, dear sir? Waving thread? Crashed my bike into a truck of cute kittens doing a wheelie at 220 then ran off? hmmmm

Reckless
12th December 2008, 14:43
However, I can blame my wife for this one. She made me buy it.

I still like it though!
But soon I will have wrecked it. :spanking:
And then my wife will say "You're OLD! Give it up!"
Then I'll have to kill her, in a non-obvious way, of course.<_<
She's well insured, so I will then be able to buy a proper (non-ghey) bike.
Although buying another ghey bike might be a good idea, because after I've killed her, I'll have no-one to have sex with.
Oh wait... it'll be the same as now: having sex with myself. :confused:

These guys obviously haven't been married for a long period of time Viffer!
After 20+ years........I understand it completly!

vifferman
12th December 2008, 14:45
Crashed my bike into a truck of cute kittens doing a wheelie at 220 then ran off?
Yeah, that sounds like a good story - tell me that one. :yes:

wbks
12th December 2008, 14:52
Godamn I wish I had a story that cool. I'll try to remember some funny story and bleed it out on a NZ wide public forum for all to read :)
Besides, if that actually happened I would never post about it. Imagine katman! :wacko:

racefactory
12th December 2008, 20:38
bump

if they were even to put the old rvf 750 and 400 back into production with fuel injection i bet there'd be a market for them... i'd buy both if i had the money (or alteast enough to make a deposit)

I'd give my left nut for them to put the RVF/VFR 750 and 400 into production again. Literally.... . Wow imagine if there was some special honda 20 years anniversary re-release of the NC30/RC30, all updated injection, aesthetics, (not to say that an NC30 doesn't look the bomb already) tweaked V4. I'd fall over backwards just reading the news.

It's a dream, updated re-released RC30/36. Oh my god, the V4 goodness, PLEASE HONDA!! I'm your biggest fan!

Swoop
12th December 2008, 20:49
It would be quite pleasing to see something resembling a V4 400cc machine released again. There must be a market for it.
However I fear the Vifferman/Oracle is correct. Honda do not care in the slightest, about their 2-wheeled customers. They have forgotten their roots and concentrated on their caged, eco-friendly, tree-hugging customers who desire a shopping trolley that cleans the air and removes pollution as it motors along.
Enter :spudwhat: emoticon here...

wbks
12th December 2008, 20:49
Well from what I hear, honda riders dont need balls anyho... So whats so good about the square fouuuuur?
btw why do you say honda dont care about bikers?

Swoop
12th December 2008, 20:51
So whats so good about the square fouuuuur?
We know, but aren't telling.
Once you get your pink handbag though...

wbks
12th December 2008, 20:55
the wide torque spread and ferrocious shriek from its high redline...I wonder what a two stroke v4 is like :) THink I might get one when i get my full. as for the handbag...I figure you already have enough for the both of us, huny!

racefactory
12th December 2008, 21:25
A v4 don't have that high a red line?

no higher than its 400cc inline 4 friends anyway...

lostinflyz
12th December 2008, 21:55
well while we all dream of rc30 rereleases and RC211 V5's and new v4's i shall continue the trend and suggest that honda release a road going version of the NSR500. Not the shitty privateer version but the full v4 2 stroke monster.

I can see it now all kitted in repsol colors with a thumb operated brake lever for true athenticity - gotta be the doohan version. highside heaven in v4 goodness.:banana::banana::banana:

ahhhhh and i see the death toll rapidly spike. ohhh if only.

but alas, i dream too much. We will get a uglier vfr800 with a bigger, heavier motor - with all the grace and speed of a sumo wrestler. in fact im sure when its released honda will state that it was inspired by a sumo wrestler. :(:(:(:(

wbks
12th December 2008, 22:04
Thump operated brake lever? Doohan version? What was so special of micks? Tell me more lostinflyz! Actually the v5 and NSR500 would be sick. I would do a lot to get the 500. Their bikes atm are less apealing then an 84 rz500 to me. That says something about how bland the hondas are seeming now.

wbks
12th December 2008, 22:06
A v4 don't have that high a red line?

no higher than its 400cc inline 4 friends anyway...Compared to a 600

pritch
12th December 2008, 22:08
These guys obviously haven't been married for a long period of time Viffer!
After 20+ years........I understand it completly!

There's truth in that.

I'm in the habit of putting little quotes on the bottom of any messages I have to send around the workplace. I've never been brave (silly?) enough to send what follows due to the gender make-up of the office.


By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. - Socrates

lostinflyz
12th December 2008, 22:11
Thump operated brake lever? Doohan version? What was so special of micks? Tell me more lostinflyz! Actually the v5 and NSR500 would be sick. I would do a lot to get the 500. Their bikes atm are less apealing then an 84 rz500 to me. That says something about how bland the hondas are seeming now.

old doohan after screwing his leg up and all that back in what 93?? when he came back his leg was too stuffed to operate the rear brake so they made up a thumb brake lever on the clutch lever side of the handle bars. so you use your left hand thumb to use the rear brake.

lots of controversy of its use and everyone thinking it too easy to modulate the rear brake,

you want a mick doohan replica cause he was the man on a 500.

but anyway your right the current vfr is currently not an overtly appealing beast - but not all that many current bikes are. id prob still buy one if i had a 90 bike garage. actually i wanted one for a while but my tastes have upgraded.

racefactory
12th December 2008, 22:12
Thump operated brake lever? Doohan version? What was so special of micks? Tell me more lostinflyz! Actually the v5 and NSR500 would be sick. I would do a lot to get the 500. Their bikes atm are less apealing then an 84 rz500 to me. That says something about how bland the hondas are seeming now.

The reason being that those bikes were so fucking dangerous they often crippled riders and doohan was known at one point to not even have a working leg to press the brake pedal, therefore they made a hand button brake- a token to the bravery of these men that tackled those monstrous machines basically.

edit: lol damn you got in before me!

yes we need to bring back the 500cc 2 strokes so we can seperate these traction control,wrist pointing stoner boys frm the real men...

wbks
12th December 2008, 22:19
Interesting! I knew he was the man on a 500 judging from his 5 titles but didn't know anything about him otherwise. Surprised I hadn't heard it untill now. As for the brake, I'm pretty sure someone in NZ with a fake leg had the same and attracted a bit of pissed off attention, too, for the thumb brake... I would think using a small thumb sized thingy would be harder to crontrol then a big lever without locking it up. Anyhow. The whole bringing back dead bikes thing is pointless. I could say bring back the zx7rr and the 636 and a roadgoing gamma but would never happen. So I have a feeling the new v4 from honda will gay up everything that made it great in the first place. Yes, no?
Edit: tradme: I duno, guys like kato who pretty much were in the running to be where stoner is now seemed to handle those 500s pretty well. edit 2: just thought about how stupid it was to include KATO of all people in a statement of how they handled a bike well.......it was a 211 at the time though...so....

wbks
12th December 2008, 22:25
Think a rz500 would pre pretty nutty to ride on the road?

lostinflyz
12th December 2008, 22:26
yea dead bikes are dead for good usually. thats why i read PB and there "if we ever made this" section. i love it.

but the 500's were no harder to win on than the new bikes in reality. you still have to go quicker than every other guy in the world. just 500's liked to attack you occasionally. just for kicks. but you have to be able to ride what your on. stoner rides modern bikes well, good on him. Biaggi could ride a 2 stroke but not a 4. ohh well. adaption is key.

Anyway i think we all need to get some friends. why are we here at 11 on a friday night. wheres a pub when you need one.

wbks
12th December 2008, 22:29
Here here...Well I'm a semi-awkward 15 y/o so its the norm for me not to be out with girls at 11:30... Whats your excuse, bucko. Anyway, think a rz500 would be a crazy road bike in full power? And what is PB?

Mort
13th December 2008, 00:39
I'll believe it when I see it. Honda dont have the balls to make radical bikes any more . They make good bikes yes... but the world has been screaming for a decent V4 for ten years and they can't be arsed to respond.

Its one of the things that annoys me about Honda, they make cracking engines but fuck the rest of it up. I had a Honda car once. A Mugen Accord. 240BHP V6 3.0. What a beautiful engine. Great sound, power... They used it in the NSX. a match for anything of the same size.

What I didnt quite realise was they'd given the rest of the car to a bunch of fat americans who favoured stupid automatic gearboxes, shite saggy suspension and soft fat-arse seats. It took me about 5 days to realise I'd made a big mistake. A 240 BHP car that could not handle a corner.

May be their conservatism works for them and it does get some good results. But expecting a dream V4 or V5 from them is a hopeless stupid frustrating fantasy.

motorbyclist
13th December 2008, 01:32
It would be quite pleasing to see something resembling a V4 400cc machine released again. There must be a market for it.

problem is they cost more to make than an inline four, and no-one is going to buy a 400 for more or as much as a 600 - the market demands moar power for less money, not the other way round

the vfr and rvf both suffered this problem back when they were current models - they cost only marginally less than the bigger bikes and much more than the other inline4 400s

that said i'd also give my left nut for a modern one

lostinflyz
13th December 2008, 08:29
maybe we should all start saving our coins and buy that sexy new aprilla.

lostinflyz
13th December 2008, 08:30
or pool it all together and share a desmosedici RR thingy.

wbks
13th December 2008, 09:18
New aprilia? Vtwins are ghey. Only other decent engine is the square four.
Democidici? V4? What makes v4's more expensive to make??

PirateJafa
13th December 2008, 09:57
New aprilia? Vtwins are ghey. Only other decent engine is the square four.
Democidici? V4? What makes v4's more expensive to make??

It costs more to manufacture when the alloys incorporate a high percentage of awesome.

wbks
13th December 2008, 10:00
Maybe suzuki should start putting headlights on their gsv-r and sell them each for a couple hundy.

racefactory
13th December 2008, 10:31
yes that is the problem, its not feasible. I wonder why exactly the V4 is expensive to make though? Is it the assembly process? Also the cam driven gears were fucken expensive too... but then a NC30 aint a NC30 without the lovely gear whine...

I4 engine is the proven best cost to power ratio.

It's not also that, but they are so fucking hard to work on and therefore expensive if you wanna pay someone to do your engine maintenance. This is due to being so compact- however fuel injection would cut this down a lot. This is not to say our V4's aren't bullet proof as they are though...

lostinflyz
13th December 2008, 17:07
New aprilia? Vtwins are ghey. Only other decent engine is the square four.
Democidici? V4? What makes v4's more expensive to make??

why why young son, have you not seen this V4 piece of yumminess

http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2008/09/first-official-pics-and-specs-2009.html

Coyote
13th December 2008, 17:43
If they do make a new bike, if they fail to put in cam gears I might pass. It's a damned shame they got rid of them on the latest VFR.

Mine is looking mighty fine anyway.

motorbyclist
13th December 2008, 23:08
the v4 needs two cylinder blocks, two heads and two transmission systems to power the double set of cams plus extra plumbing

net result is more part and more materials than an inline4, which means more machining and time invested

a v twin doesn't have as many valves, pistons or material as an inline4 so don't cost as much despite being a V layout

Devil
14th December 2008, 07:52
I was harrassing a Honda dealer yesterday and they told me this.

The new engine IS a V4 1000.

It will appear in 3 forms.
* A replacement for the VFR800/Blackbird
* A Tourer like the ST
*...aaaaaand he pointed at a VTR-SP and said they're planning on doing something like that with it. Unf! Unf!

Swoop
14th December 2008, 08:17
I'm still not going to believe it until I see it in the flesh.

wayne708
14th December 2008, 08:52
[QUOTE=wbks;1848812]New aprilia? Vtwins are ghey. Only other decent engine is the square four.

New Aplilia.....search Aprillia RSV4 ...not a Vtwin

wbks
14th December 2008, 08:59
god damn that aprilia is sexy... My new dream bike :yes:

Mort
14th December 2008, 23:04
I was harrassing a Honda dealer yesterday and they told me this.

The new engine IS a V4 1000.

It will appear in 3 forms.
* A replacement for the VFR800/Blackbird
* A Tourer like the ST
*...aaaaaand he pointed at a VTR-SP and said they're planning on doing something like that with it. Unf! Unf!

OMG - world exclusive. Grant from Cyclespot AKL announces Honda V4 strategy for the next 10 years...

Yeah right.

Devil
15th December 2008, 08:12
OMG - world exclusive. Grant from Cyclespot AKL announces Honda V4 strategy for the next 10 years...

Yeah right.

It was one of his goons, and seemed to have come from a dealer conference. We'll see if it happens. Would be nice. I like the VFR, but not enough poke for me. But a V4 SP would be sex!

lostinflyz
15th December 2008, 08:23
It was one of his goons, and seemed to have come from a dealer conference. We'll see if it happens. Would be nice. I like the VFR, but not enough poke for me. But a V4 SP would be sex!

if a goon from a conferance tells you this but nothing is known to the rest of the world, skepiticism is in order.alot of it too.

greminn
6th May 2009, 08:27
Nice... red/silver/black looks nice. Still dont know about those stubby exhausts.


Repost from http://www.visordown.com/

HONDA have kept their cards close to their chest when it comes to the VFR, causing mock-ups and concepts to flow freely around the web for the last few years.

But this new image, from Vanjey Design looks very close to what the new VFR could look like. With the sports-tourer market hotting up in recent years, it's likely the new Honda VFR will be at least 1000cc.

yod
6th May 2009, 08:54
ooo look, more photoshop speculation

BMWST?
6th May 2009, 09:45
Honda make nice engines......one of my flatmates had the original VF750s...pig of a bike but the engine was nice...he traded that on a vf750R when they first came out,that was a nice bike...he traded that on a vf1000 that wasnt quite a nice all round as the 750 but man the engine!!!!

Chrislost
6th May 2009, 11:57
Nice... red/silver/black looks nice. Still dont know about those stubby exhausts.


Repost from http://www.visordown.com/

HONDA have kept their cards close to their chest when it comes to the VFR, causing mock-ups and concepts to flow freely around the web for the last few years.

But this new image, from Vanjey Design looks very close to what the new VFR could look like. With the sports-tourer market hotting up in recent years, it's likely the new Honda VFR will be at least 1000cc.

that "thing" is fugly!

MentalFacility
6th May 2009, 16:42
photoshop. just look at the mirrors they come straight from cbr1k.

Gubb
6th May 2009, 16:47
looks very close to what the new VFR could look like.

What the fuck does that mean?

slofox
6th May 2009, 16:50
Who has ridden a VFR800 - 07 or 08? Was lookin' at a couple today,. one from each year. The 08 had 3000km on it - asking was $14.5k...the 07 had 22500km asking $14k...
Tell me about your thoughts...the ride, the prices etc...

Taz
6th May 2009, 17:15
Christ I hope thats not the new VFR.... It's hideous.

AllanB
6th May 2009, 17:24
Ha ha - 'could look like' it 'could' look like anything!

Possibly this one........

Make mine naked please.

Elysium
7th May 2009, 04:47
If that bike is going to be the new VFR, the the exhausts need to be under seat.

James Deuce
7th May 2009, 07:24
What the fuck does that mean?

I did a poo that looked like the Crab Nebula once. It could be a sign from God.


If that bike is going to be the new VFR, the the exhausts need to be under seat.

No they don't. Underseat exhausts are both old fashioned and the antithesis of Honda's mass-centralisation ethos.

I wish I could do cool stuff with photoshop.

Pixie
7th May 2009, 08:51
My cat's name is mittens

Cajun
21st June 2009, 16:22
came across this

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Honda-VFR-1200-V4-560x396.jpg

Picture is just what someone thinks it might look like


We’ve got an update on Honda’s hotly-anticipated new V4-powered bike. It has been confirmed by Honda’s Senior Managing Director, Shigeru Takagi, that the new VFR will be seen in its finished form sometime this Fall, and will be in dealer showrooms next Spring.

The VFR1200, as you might have guessed from its name, will be a 1200cc version of the VFR model line. With the added displacement, the new V4 will take on the likes of the Hayabusa and ZX-14R, while Honda phases out the 800cc VFR and CBR1100xx.

In a rare interview last week, Takagi said the bike will be a “new breed of Honda”, which is a phrase we’ve heard Honda saying a lot of recently. There certainly seems to be a cultural shift occurring in the Honda ranks.

“We really believe we can develop a new era starting with this V4-powered machine. It is just the beginning and represents a new breed of Honda which will define Honda’s own taste and styling. This bike will be the perfect road machine that Honda customers have called for. It will be an epoch-making machine and more bikes from the V4 platform are possible. We know people think this bike is going to be a replacement for the VFR800 and the Blackbird but we do not see this bike as a replacement for anything. We see it as an all-new breed of machine, something very special.”

With the final form of the VFR still a hot topic, Togei did say that, ”the bike is different to the concept shown for the first time at Milan in 2009 but the link between them is very clear to see.” We look forward to seeing the spyshots as they come available.

James Deuce
21st June 2009, 16:30
Screw that, I want them to build this:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/092007top.jpg

pritch
21st June 2009, 17:22
Takagi said the bike will be a “new breed of Honda”

Yeah, like the DN-01 :sick:

PirateJafa
21st June 2009, 18:01
Screw that, I want them to build this:

<img src=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/092007top.jpg>

Sod that, and the random-person-who-decided-to-photoshop-all-kinds-of-Honda-bikes-into-one picture of Cajun's as well. I've already settled the argument for the new VFR1000R. Honda just needs to produce it now. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=98736)

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/picture.php?albumid=2192&pictureid=26530

Coyote
21st June 2009, 18:22
Hopefully with the Aprilia on the market, it might make Honda more inclined to actually get on with this project that every customer of theirs wants.

greminn
23rd June 2009, 08:12
Update: New Honda VFR Confirmed for Spring 2010 Delivery, Fall 2009 Unveiling

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/honda-vfr-confirmed-spring-2010-delivery-fall-2009-unveiling/

yod
23rd June 2009, 09:12
:woohoo::woohoo:

Swoop
23rd June 2009, 09:31
Yeah, right.
I'll believe it when I see it.

1200cc? That will make it appeal to a smaller market.
Having a 600(?)cc VFR as an "intermediate" sized bike would be a possibility, but Honda do weird things...

Rayray401
23rd June 2009, 10:04
it looks so....obece

James Deuce
23rd June 2009, 10:10
Yeah, right.
I'll believe it when I see it.

1200cc? That will make it appeal to a smaller market.
Having a 600(?)cc VFR as an "intermediate" sized bike would be a possibility, but Honda do weird things...


See, one of those in the 180-190kg range would be a really attractive bike to me. Certainly more attractive than the $18k Hornet 600.

Cajun
23rd June 2009, 10:15
can't remember where i found it, but i am sure i read something over last couple of days saying the vfr1200 v4 will be the first of a few v4 that honda is going to bring out.

If this happens is another story,

vifferman
23rd June 2009, 10:54
Having a 600(?)cc VFR as an "intermediate" sized bike would be a possibility, but Honda do weird things...
Can't see it.
The V4 is too expensive to produce, so a V4 600 wouldn't be priced competitively.
Mind you, neither are the DN-01 and the Goldwing...

I never said this, right? OK? But I hope in some ways that Honda don't bring out a new V4, unless it's really crap, like it has the DN-01's transmission, and the Accord's "go to sleep when cruising" disconnecting cylinders, and other EcoTrashBollix like that there.

The vifferbabe's determined to spend the kids' inheritance on travelling, so unless she eats her poisoned mushrooms, I'm unlikely to ever get another bike.
But! (Howevererer) it's too late now for her to back out of OKing my fork upgrade. The parts are on their way, the SuspensionGod has been contacted, and in a few (too long!) weeks, the front end of the VifFerraRi will be as well suspended as the rear. :woohoo:

All that leaves is to overhaul the seat, and scrape on some new makeup, and it will be the perfect bike again.
Till i wreck it....

PirateJafa
23rd June 2009, 12:13
Can't see it.
The V4 is too expensive to produce, so a V4 600 wouldn't be priced competitively.

Yes, but then neither was the V4 400 when they were sold. They cost the same as the 600cc IL4s at the time.

Profitability doesn't always seem to be a major concern for Honda. :lmao:

Although that in mind, you do see a lot more of the "expensive" 400cc V4s from 20 years ago than you do the 20 year old 600's!

motorbyclist
23rd June 2009, 13:19
the vfr800 is a great bike - why on earth they want to make it even heavier (and gruntier) is well beyond me. I'd expect honda of all people not to fall for the trap of more power = better bike

they should make a new rvf750 - sure they cost something like 50k to buy, but people bought them!

HenryDorsetCase
23rd June 2009, 13:31
the vfr800 is a great bike - why on earth they want to make it even heavier (and gruntier) is well beyond me. I'd expect honda of all people not to fall for the trap of more power = better bike

they should make a new rvf750 - sure they cost something like 50k to buy, but people bought them!

agree entirely. this from the company that produced the first CBR900RR!. Lighter is better!

Re the RVFs: not only that, they're still worth that IF you can find one. Whats an RC30 worth today? round thirty large in NZ?

HenryDorsetCase
23rd June 2009, 13:33
Yes, but then neither was the V4 400 when they were sold. They cost the same as the 600cc IL4s at the time.

Profitability doesn't always seem to be a major concern for Honda. :lmao:

Although that in mind, you do see a lot more of the "expensive" 400cc V4s from 20 years ago than you do the 20 year old 600's!

sure the production tooling for the 400 cc V 4's would be expensive, but they ruled the biggest class in Japan (which is what they were produced for): the RC30 lineage coupled with Japans licencing laws, and the fact the motorcycle is completely brilliant meant it sold in large numbers. They would have made a profit all right.

Swoop
23rd June 2009, 15:09
the vfr800 is a great bike - why on earth they want to make it even heavier (and gruntier) is well beyond me. I'd expect honda of all people not to fall for the trap of more power = better bike
An extra 200cc's would be appreciated when 2-up touring.
Touring: One of the many strings to the VFR's bow...

PirateJafa
23rd June 2009, 15:18
An extra 200cc's would be appreciated when 2-up touring.
Touring: One of the many strings to the VFR's bow...
Eat less pies.

Swoop
23rd June 2009, 15:25
Eat less pies.
Who? The rider or the pillion?
Or do you mean "Carry less pies" in the luggage?:crybaby:

motorbyclist
24th June 2009, 13:54
An extra 200cc's would be appreciated when 2-up touring.
Touring: One of the many strings to the VFR's bow...

i took a pillion from west auckland to cambridge (via SH1b) on an rc46 and thought it was brilliant! plenty of grunt, impressive stopping ability and handling didn't change much at all; barely knew they were there!

then again being an nc35 rider i'm used to a very light front and alot of clutch abuse while carrying pillions

motorbyclist
24th June 2009, 13:56
agree entirely. this from the company that produced the first CBR900RR!. Lighter is better!

Re the RVFs: not only that, they're still worth that IF you can find one. Whats an RC30 worth today? round thirty large in NZ?

there was an RC45 at haldanes with 2000km on it for $27k :gob:


oh how painful it was to leave knowing i'll not have that much money for a while....

There's pics in my V4 albumn of my nc35 parked up next to it on an atnr for those interested ;)

cheshirecat
24th June 2009, 20:15
I see, or rather not, see MCN has published new pics of the 2010 V$

here (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2009/June/jun2309-new-mcn-june-24-honda-v4-official-pictures/)

Any one got the real pics?

motorbyclist
25th June 2009, 00:24
I see, or rather not, see MCN has published new pics of the 2010 V$

here (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2009/June/jun2309-new-mcn-june-24-honda-v4-official-pictures/)

Any one got the real pics?

while i doubt they'd post the real pics on the net, i've immediately lost a lot of interest if the below is what makes this bike "a new breed"


That’s it’s variable-cylinder engine, which enables the rear bank of cylinders to shut down completely, leaving the bike effectively a parallel twin on light loads, which should dramatically boost fuel economy and emissions performance.

if they want fuel efficiency why not just make a SMALLER bike, and then fit a supercharger or turbo for when moar power is required


merge threads, perhaps?

PirateJafa
25th June 2009, 00:31
From what little I could see of the pics in the magazine, it almost looks like the bike has an extra, unnecessary swingarm?

Goddammit Honda, how could you take something so beautiful and great, and create this abortion?

Swoop
25th June 2009, 11:00
Still a single-sided swingarm.
But possibly the ugliest whale-cock exhaust ever designed.:(


http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-v4.html
Taken two days ago. Bloody hot in Kalifornia at the moment... 43.5 degrees?

Hawk
25th June 2009, 17:00
opps double link post

James Deuce
25th June 2009, 19:03
Which is the link just above Mr Hawk.

If that is it, even taking into account the mock bodywork hiding its real lines, I'm not sure that the Honda V4 faithful really want a fat shaft drive heap of crap that competes with the BMW K1300 range. I think Honda have missed even their own point.

It's interesting how Triumph, KTM, and Harley can nail their customer profile precisely and produce a seemingly wide range of bikes from only a few base platforms, whilst the Japanese seem to be too scared to stop humping the sports bike holy grail long enough to see if their customers actually want the stuff they are producing. From my perspective the only desireable street bike in Honda's range is the Predator. The only interesting project on Kawasaki's books is the ZRX1400 on the near horizon, Yamaha produce beautiful motorcycles, but they're either lacking in performance or bloody expensive, while Suzuki have what, the Gladius?

airplane
25th June 2009, 20:46
Take as look at these spy photos of the forthcoming new Honda...... http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-v4.html#more-19115

There have been years of speculation but these photos look like the real thing and that the new bike is nearly ready.

nudemetalz
25th June 2009, 20:49
Yo Dude,....already a thread about it in New Bike Models :)

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=85713

short-circuit
25th June 2009, 21:09
Take as look at these spy photos of the forthcoming new Honda...... http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-v4.html#more-19115

There have been years of speculation but these photos look like the real thing and that the new bike is nearly ready.


All that anticipation and look at the state of it. Shit as.

Muppet
25th June 2009, 22:04
It looks bloody awful, unless they've disguised it with extra bodywork as they sometimes do.

I prefer this one minus the colour of course.

www.fasterandfaster.net/2008/07/2009-honda-vfr1000-to-be-officially.html

Mort
26th June 2009, 01:47
I like the look of the pics. Looks like they are taking the VFR to a new level. Hopefully it will be about 200kg and maybe 150bhp+. No doubt it'll have all the VTEC/ABS Traction stuff thrown at it. Some of that is good but...well you know the rest.

It'll be an awesome bike though for sure.

xwhatsit
26th June 2009, 07:46
Yamaha produce beautiful motorcycles, but they're either lacking in performance or bloody expensive
In New Zealand -- in Australia they are priced normally (and have a massive dealer presence), and do incredibly successfully as a result. I don't have any figures but from Road Star Warriors to R1s to YZF250s, they seem to dominate in both numbers and in the imaginations of riders.

Half of the issue here is that we don't get the interesting bikes. Look at the weird crap we used to get -- the CBR/ZXR/GSXR400s and 250s, the GB400/500, SRX400/600, all kinds of really interesting bikes that sold well and still change hands regularly today. There's still those kinds of bikes out there in Japan, all kinds of fascinating 400s (retro singles, modern twins, really neat fours like the Super Four), Yamaha's MT03 which looks like it was designed for New Zealand... I'm sure people like Banzai could chip in with countless other examples. We don't get them. Why? I'm sure Blue Wing et al have had it proved to them before they don't understand what the NZ public is interested in?

Elysium
26th June 2009, 07:54
Man please tell me that was only a test model to test out the perormance and engine. Where are the exhausts?

Swoop
26th June 2009, 08:27
Man please tell me that was only a test model to test out the perormance and engine. Where are the exhausts?
It is the large "thing" behind the right footpeg.



The '09 R1 is looking better all the time...

pritch
26th June 2009, 10:17
Interesting pics. A V Four sports/tourer would have appeal to some.
Well, to me for a start :whistle:

vifferman
26th June 2009, 11:10
It's interesting how Triumph, KTM, and Harley can nail their customer profile precisely and produce a seemingly wide range of bikes from only a few base platforms, whilst the Japanese seem to be too scared to stop humping the sports bike holy grail long enough to see if their customers actually want the stuff they are producing.
Word is, Dr Jim2, that the new V4 is going to be the basis of several new bikes. It'd be very interesting if it's true, and Honda have done it in the past, with the VF750 and VF1000 also being the basis for cruisers. More recently, they have at least supposedly used CBR engines as the basis for their nekkid bikes.

HenryDorsetCase
26th June 2009, 17:42
I like the look of the pics. Looks like they are taking the VFR to a new level. Hopefully it will be about 200kg and maybe 150bhp+. No doubt it'll have all the VTEC/ABS Traction stuff thrown at it. Some of that is good but...well you know the rest.

It'll be an awesome bike though for sure.

given the ABS on the CBR600RR I think its a safe bet this will have all those electro-bells and whistles also.

I can't get over how expensive they are. Look at the Hornet 900: eleven grand brand spankers: the best value new motorcycle on the market when I bought one. Replacement: tricker, but probably less usable CB1000 "Predator", oh yeah, bring 20 large. Bugger that, its not value for money. This looks like 30k to me. And given the competition at both price points, this better be the best damn motorbike on the road. And they better get their machining and tolerances right so the things don't lunch themselves all the time (early VF750 (which I also owned) reference there)

Maha
27th June 2009, 18:54
Interesting pics. A V Four sports/tourer would have appeal to some.
Well, to me for a start :whistle:

Yip me too, would like to see Repsol Colours on both these.

vifferman
28th June 2009, 15:48
Yip me too, would like to see Repsol Colours on both these.
How about this? (From ST-N).

James Deuce
28th June 2009, 18:28
Still looks like photoshopped bottom cleavage.

I heard a 2009 R1 with non-standard pipes while I was out shopping today. I "heard" a small block V8. I saw the bugeyed, whaled-jowled fairing and it took me a few seconds to put it all together. Yamaha. R1. Sounding like an early VFR750 with no baffles.

What a glorious noise.

Swoop
28th June 2009, 20:46
Looking at the pictures. What have they done up front to make it look so "chunky"?
The fairing is positively huge and makes it look like a svelte bike has run into a wild boar.

greminn
29th June 2009, 08:51
These acually look like real press shots

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/honda-vfr1200-leaked-images/2110224/

Swoop
29th June 2009, 09:44
It looks good from the front and the rear...
... and above.

one-speed
29th June 2009, 09:48
These acually look like real press shots

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/honda-vfr1200-leaked-images/2110224/

mmm something to replace the blackbird with(if it happens)
not sure on the exhaust
but nice:)

greminn
29th June 2009, 10:07
mmm something to replace the blackbird with(if it happens)
not sure on the exhaust
but nice:)

Yep - those cans have got to go... looks like those gay ones on the Kawa Z1000.

HenryDorsetCase
2nd July 2009, 09:44
http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=1381&cid=27


this was in my Cycle World emailer this morning. Fascinating.


I hope they keep the VFR800: one of a list of bikes I would like to own at some point.

Swoop
2nd July 2009, 09:56
Holy snapping turtle shit!
That '09 Triumph 675 SE (http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=41&article_id=1199) looks nice!!

Mort
2nd July 2009, 12:08
Looks like its a shaft drive - am I right ?

vifferman
2nd July 2009, 12:55
Looks like its a shaft drive - am I right ?
The (alleged) new VFR is, yes. It also has USD forks (about time), a twin-plane crank, will probably have the new E-DCBS brakes with ABS, has indicators in the mirrors, a la the Blackbird, and will probably have the same kind of 'cylinder decoupling' technology as the Accord V6. Let's hope it's not like the mentalised version of Vtec they stuck on the latest VFR. I can just imagine how suckful it would be if you're slowing down for a corner, it drops to two cylinders, you open up coming out of the corner, it hesitates, and you fall on your ear. The hesitation with the 'Closed loop' to mapped fueling was bad enough...
It would also suck if 16,000km services take 8 hours because of added complexity.

motorbyclist
8th July 2009, 21:39
The hesitation with the 'Closed loop' to mapped fueling was bad enough...

I had a ride on my old man's 08 vfr and noticed that too - the 03 r6 has it also; farking annoying especially as the rc46 was absolutely mint

VTEC suddenly kicking in annoyed me also - i want all balls ALL the time. Where's the logic in adding fuel saving complexity to a larger capacity engine?

PirateJafa
8th July 2009, 21:52
You don't buy a big bike for the fuel efficiency.

HenryDorsetCase
20th July 2009, 17:10
nice looking bike. I think it will be too big for what I want though. They are it appears discontinuing the 800: I've always fancied one of those.....

sAsLEX
20th July 2009, 17:55
It looks good from the front and the rear...
... and above.

Looks very fat from the side with those big slabs, some clever graphics could hide some of that.

Reckless
20th July 2009, 18:02
nice looking bike. I think it will be too big for what I want though. They are it appears discontinuing the 800: I've always fancied one of those.....

It does seem to leave a hole in their mid range with all the better bikes going to bigger and bigger CC's. Wonder if they are working towards replacing it with something? The Daytona 675 seems to be a big hit as a sorta sport tourer?

cheshirecat
20th July 2009, 20:55
I belive there is something about a whole new V4 range so perhaps the best is yet to come - well if tourers are not one's thing. One thing is for sure is that they have spent considerable time on this concept. Still love those gear driven cams though

sAsLEX
20th July 2009, 21:09
I belive there is something about a whole new V4 range so perhaps the best is yet to come - well if tourers are not one's thing. One thing is for sure is that they have spent considerable time on this concept. Still love those gear driven cams though

Here's hoping for something like below!
http://nsd.dyndns.org/MC/Spencer-RC30-1996.jpg

motorbyclist
21st July 2009, 00:32
I'm now of the opinion that until i see something officially from Honda, the vfr1200 is probably just a hoax.

it's a dumb idea, doesn't fit the market, and there's been zero follow up announcements

Swoop
21st July 2009, 08:02
I'm now of the opinion that until i see something officially from Honda, the vfr1200 is probably just a hoax.
With Honda dealerships' closing all around the place, who really knows what Mr Honda is up to.
Hopefully he has taken his medicine.

Mountlocal1
1st August 2009, 17:55
http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-v4.html

7mmWSM
5th August 2009, 20:59
Should be on dealer floors early 2010. :Punk:

Heres a better photo.

bane
5th August 2009, 21:48
Should be on dealer floors early 2010. :Punk:


..in Japan...

and under Honda's current pricing strategy, will probably cost >$30k by the time it reaches these shores...

motorbyclist
5th August 2009, 21:55
what the fuck is that thing!? a muffler?!

i'm waiting for an actual honda release rather than renders and shots of a testride from only one mag

Mort
5th August 2009, 23:35
Its really a disappointment.... If that VFR1200 is what they intend to release....all they are doing is BMW clone... and with far too much techno.

The formula is simple. 150 bhp 200kg Great ergos. Stuff the VTEC 2cylinder crap. Add ABS as an option. It could be a great bike but it'l be ruined by the honda technocracy.

I had a Honda car once..... had the best engine I've ever seen. 3 litre V6 240BHP... beautiful engine.... utterly ruined by a shit car. This'll be the same.... They'll keep throwing stuff at it until the essense of the engine is lost..... OK but I'll stil test ride one :)

vifferman
6th August 2009, 08:59
i'm waiting for an actual honda release rather than renders and shots of a testride from only one mag
Apparently they're looking at an Autumn release, so sometime next month we should see summat.

Swoop
6th August 2009, 09:57
Heres a better photo.
That is not a photo, but an "artist's impression".

Stuff the VTEC 2cylinder crap.
It doesn't drop two cylinders, all four are constantly being used. The valve technology on the other hand...

7mmWSM
6th August 2009, 10:32
That is not a photo, but an "artist's impression".

It doesn't drop two cylinders, all four are constantly being used. The valve technology on the other hand...

The bike will be able to go from 4 cylinders to 2 cylinders once it is up to speed. Should have excellant fuel economy for touring. It may also have an airbag - same as what the goldwings come with.

Swoop
6th August 2009, 12:08
same as what the goldwings come with.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

It can never be compared with a leadwing!

Never, I tell ya!!
(Yamaha are looking better all the time...)

7mmWSM
6th August 2009, 14:38
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

It can never be compared with a leadwing!

Never, I tell ya!!
(Yamaha are looking better all the time...)


its possible that more than one model could be coming - sports/tourer and tourer. Dont rubbish it yet as its early days and only limited specs are available at this time.

pritch
7th August 2009, 10:05
If that VFR1200 is what they intend to release....all they are doing is BMW clone...

The VFR was always Honda's BMW. That's not my thought, that's from a BIKE article. Neither Honda nor BMW need be offended by the comment either. Having owned both a VFR and a K1000RS I think I can see what he was getting at.

motorbyclist
7th August 2009, 15:16
The VFR was always Honda's BMW

what!?

the VFR was for a time one of HRC's finest creations!

it's been going steadily downhill ever since

pritch
7th August 2009, 22:28
what!?

the VFR was for a time one of HRC's finest creations!

it's been going steadily downhill ever since

VFRs created by HRC? Interesting.

The model has been running for over 25 years now from memory so a lot of people will have a favourite generation. I would've liked one with gear driven cams but they weren't making them when I wanted to buy one.

I guess if you didn't "get" the quote, explaining it won't help. It's sorta like you had to be there...

Mountlocal1
8th August 2009, 10:22
The VFR was always Honda's BMW. That's not my thought, that's from a BIKE article. Neither Honda nor BMW need be offended by the comment either. Having owned both a VFR and a K1000RS I think I can see what he was getting at.

Well put....

motorbyclist
8th August 2009, 14:00
VFRs created by HRC? Interesting.

i'm thinking the RC30 and RC45 days.

having ridden the rc46 with gear driven cams and then the latest incarnation with cam chain and vtec, i am tempted to say the rc46 was markedly more fun (two bros. muffler may have had something to so with that) and in my view, gear driven cams are part of what makes a vfr a vfr. vtec just annoyed me - surely they can bring it in smoothly for all balls all the time!? - but the machine was still a beaut for pillions and touring

i'd give my left nut for an RVF750... in the meantime i'll just have to make do with the 400 version *wistful sigh*

quickbuck
8th August 2009, 18:35
i'd give my left nut for an RVF750...*

Darn nice... There are a couple in the country... Shame in a way that they are soooo valuable.
Was out on Taupo last year and over took one in full on Castrol Colours... Poor guy was really taking it easy in fear of damaging it.
Myself on the common as 1992 CBR600 on the other hand was able to ride the wheels off it, and not worry so much....

I guess my point it, I really want a bike I can RIDE....
All that said..... Yes, RC45... VERY NICE.

Now back to topic, VFR1200... only when I get really old....
Just me though...
I had a blast today on an NC30..... A real blast... And I'm going to take it out tomorrow too.

gav
9th August 2009, 19:08
Yeah the VFR seems to have lost its balls :bye:
Dont forget the first model back in 1986 was lining up against GSXR750's and FZ750's etc and kicking butt too. It was Hondas "Fireblade" of the day. The early VFR won the Aus Superbike title, and was winning in the USA with Fred Merkel, Wayne Rainey etc. I've owned a few V4's over the years, the ideal would be 2002 non vtec VFR800 with a supercharger kit and sportier styling.

Maha
18th August 2009, 15:28
Seems there maybe two-three models of the 1200 due to be released in October at Tokyo. 1200R replacing the Blackbird, a 1200T looking to replace the ST1300 and a 1200X dual purpose.

vifferman
18th August 2009, 16:01
Seems there maybe two-three models of the 1200 due to be released in October at Tokyo. 1200R replacing the Blackbird, a 1200T looking to replace the ST1300 and a 1200X dual purpose.
And this info is based on what source...?
(Or is that 'sauce'?)

Maha
18th August 2009, 16:06
And this info is based on what source...?
(Or is that 'sauce'?)

Latest issue of BRM, must be true...:shifty:
Shall wait and see.

HenryDorsetCase
18th August 2009, 18:50
not only that, but Interceptor was and is a fuckload cooler name than Fireblade.

I own this book and it is excellent. got it from Amazon when the dollar was better.

Honda V Force (http://www.amazon.com/Hondas-V-Force-four-stroke-road-track/dp/1859604218)

crynsie
9th September 2009, 20:00
have a look.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/honda-to-launch-first-ever-dual-clutch-gearbox-for-motorcycles-w/

A DSG gearbox for the new vfr!!!!

This may be a VERY big point of difference.

Swoop
11th September 2009, 09:17
Note that the new VFR will not be released until 2010.


http://world.honda.com/news/2009/2090908Dual-Clutch-Transmission/?r=m

An interesting clutch system.

vifferman
11th September 2009, 09:56
have a look.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/honda-to-launch-first-ever-dual-clutch-gearbox-for-motorcycles-w/

A DSG gearbox for the new vfr!!!!

This may be a VERY big point of difference.
Aye.
It has two auto modes, and a manual (button operated) mode.
I didn't open your link (read all this before), but did it have the kewl videos showing the lack of any suspension /attitude movement with the auto trans, compared to an ornery manual one?
This is going to be a BIG development, especially given Honda's crap gearshifts - no more false neutrals or missed shifts, or graunches from 1st to 2nd. :niceone:
And for those naysayers - have you driven a car with a DSG box? They're great!

HenryDorsetCase
11th September 2009, 10:05
Gold Wing is the next logical adaptation. Then after a few years the sprotbikes.

(sprotbikers are now used to the idea of anti spin, anti wheelie, traction and rev limits, computer controlled this and that: auto shifting is the next thing.)

It willl probably be too expensive for some bikes (utility bikes/small displacement) and maybe inappropriate for others: dirt bikes maybe?

Good to see honda doing the techy thing again.

cheshirecat
11th September 2009, 10:43
A guy from Motomart Lower Hutt said they were getting VFR1400's next year so there might be a range or just a 'light' agile all weather do anything 1400 - I do dream a bit!

vifferman
11th September 2009, 10:51
A guy from Motomart Lower Hutt said they were getting VFR1400's next year so there might be a range or just a 'light' agile all weather do anything 1400 - I do dream a bit!
From a bit of "reading between the lines", wishful thinking, extrapolating and whatnot, it appears that there may be at least two models - one to replace the VFR800 AND Blackbird (so a more sporty sport-tourer) and another to replace the ST1300. The spy photos show a sporty looking bike, with shaft drive. The articles showing the new DSG transmission show it attached to a V4 block, so that at least is a given, as is it being a conventionally camchain driven head. The gear-driven cam is dead, methinks, apart from mebbe in a racing situation. Honda wants a slim engine, and having the gear camdrive on the camshaft end is WAY too noisy, so it's a "goneburger".

cheshirecat
11th September 2009, 12:59
From a bit of "reading between the lines", wishful thinking, extrapolating and whatnot, it appears that there may be at least two models - one to replace the VFR800 AND Blackbird (so a more sporty sport-tourer) and another to replace the ST1300. The spy photos show a sporty looking bike, with shaft drive. The articles showing the new DSG transmission show it attached to a V4 block, so that at least is a given, as is it being a conventionally camchain driven head. The gear-driven cam is dead, methinks, apart from mebbe in a racing situation. Honda wants a slim engine, and having the gear camdrive on the camshaft end is WAY too noisy, so it's a "goneburger".

More of the same but with video showing us paddle shift and "it" London Biker (http://londonbikers.com/news/12337/honda-announces-another-world-first-in-motorcycle-technology)

If they are talking about gear driven cam noise they need to hear a 1970 MV

motorbyclist
12th September 2009, 00:57
but the gear driven cams are a selling point ffs!

why else would they ditch them for any other reason than cost?

Taz
12th September 2009, 07:58
That video was very enlightening. I reckon this dual clutch technology is very very cool.

Elysium
12th September 2009, 18:27
Yep that video sure explained in better terms on how this duel clutch works. Good on Honda to come up with this technology, bet the others will proberly look at someting similier so they don't get leaved behind.

I got a feeling the new VFR's are going to sell well.

cheshirecat
12th September 2009, 19:07
might explain why it's been so long on developement

vifferman
14th September 2009, 19:20
Whulp, I found out these things:
It's going to be a V4, fer sher.
It's going to have a 28 degree crank angle, and weird firing order: front left, rear left, right front, right rear.
It's going to have a smaller (in size, not capacity) than a Blackbird or VFR800, being both narrower, shorter, and less tall.
It's going to have a Unicam head, like the CRF, instead of 2xDOHC.
It's going to have TBW ("throttle by wire") electronic throttle, and E-DCBS+ABS.

Danae
15th September 2009, 01:52
Haven't been following this thread, shame on me! So vifferman, will it be more compact like the RVF ya reckon? :drool: I'm not a fan of the latest VFR800...I like the RC45, RC30 + NC30 etc much better. However honda seem to be going for the more angular style these past few years, much like the R1s...headlights look worse and worse lol.

Oh and excuse my lack of mechanical knowledge in advance haha

vifferman
15th September 2009, 08:49
The engine is going to be more compact than the VFR800, even though it's more'n likely going to be at least 1000cc, and possible a 1200 or 1400 as a touring option.
Oh - and here's (http://feelv4.com/en_GB/pages/mainpage) where I got the info about the engine from: an interview with the Honda dude responsible. Go to the box in the lower left corner, and mouseover over the smaller boxes till you get the one that says "V4 Engine", and click that.

Danae
15th September 2009, 10:52
Pink website is pink XD

Wow, the engine is gonna be tiny...although it looks to be aiming towards more of a sport tourer. :/ Although there is that video of the goldwing being flung into corners and such....hopefully this one will be more "flickable", thus fun in the twisties.

Elysium
18th September 2009, 18:14
Well dam that engine just gets better.

vifferman
21st September 2009, 08:37
This is possibly only one of the new VFR models, maybe the ST1300/Blackbird replacement (only conjecture - hoo nose fer sher?)

Check it out (http://www.motoblog.it/post/20739/le-foto-spia-della-nuova-honda-v4-a-spasso-per-le-alpi).

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/foto-spia-honda-v4-1200/honda1_01.jpg

Swoop
21st September 2009, 08:53
Picture #4 makes it appear to be losing a lot of fluids...
#5? Is that a camera on the end of a boom? Camera crew doing advertising stuff perhaps?

Mystic13
21st September 2009, 14:12
Didn't read back through the thread so don't know if you guys are getting up to date info on the VFR1200 which apparently will be in store here in January 2010.

The site is being drip fed and is starting to get a little annoying. More info would be better.

The main site
http://feelv4.com/en_GB/pages/mainpage/cid:001/gap:003/lm:gb1/af:a01/ap:h01/cr:E04/ln:en_GB

There are a bunch of boxes that are being revealed over time. Some have info now and some don't.

The engine
http://feelv4.com/en_GB/pages/mainpage/url:engine/cid:001/gap:003/lm:gb1/af:a01/ap:h01/cr:E04/ln:en_GB

Design philosophy
http://www.nzanlp.org.nz/?nzanlp-and-mental-health-awareness-week,55

At the moment I'm expecting the fairing seen to be a disguise (actually hoping) and that it'll look much better than it does so far.

vifferman
21st September 2009, 14:43
At the moment I'm expecting the fairing seen to be a disguise (actually hoping) and that it'll look much better than it does so far.
The thing is, there's likely to be more'n one model. The one we've seen two lots of spy pictures of looks like being the touring version, so will have the built-in crumple zones, giving the fairing a weird look. OTOH, it could well be a 'mule' with a fake fairing. I find this a bit unlikely, given that it has Honda badges on it; if the intention was to obfuscate, surely they'd try to be completely incognito.

NZsarge
21st September 2009, 15:01
Yep that video sure explained in better terms on how this duel clutch works. Good on Honda to come up with this technology

While I guess this is it's first application in road bikes twin clutch gearboxes have been around for decades in cars but only widely used in recent times. The old mans car (and his last one) has a twin clutch gearbox, hell even new Mitsubishi Lancers have twin clutch transmissions..

bet the others will proberly look at someting similier so they don't get leaved behind.


I don't think it's that great an idea for bikes, more to go wrong and when the bike gets a few k's on it lord help you when it comes to repair bills!


I got a feeling the new VFR's are going to sell well.


Depends where it's priced really does'nt it? If it's horrendously over priced like the Latest Fireblade is then perhaps not as well as you may think but whatever, I happen to think new VFR's have been over priced for quite some time now given how long that models has been around without and significant update but I think most bike manufacturer's are guilty of that one.



..........

Blackbird
22nd September 2009, 07:08
This is (allegedly) the touring version to replace the Pan European. I hope so because if it's the Blackbird replacement, I can't see me feeling very sporty on it!

vifferman
22nd September 2009, 09:24
This is (allegedly) the touring version to replace the Pan European. I hope so because if it's the Blackbird replacement, I can't see me feeling very sporty on it!
There's a comparison of this bike based on photos (http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=54756&pid=647848&st=60&#entry647848), that shows it's quite close in size to both the current Fireblade and VFR, just a wee bit longer in the wheelbase, so it's sportier than might appear. (Check the link, and the post below it)

Blackbird
22nd September 2009, 09:27
Mmmm.... some nice work. Thanks for the link:yes:

vifferman
7th October 2009, 08:01
"We are very pleased to tell you that the new VFR 1200F
will be launched online on Thursday 8th October at
12.00 CET (11.00am GMT).

On the website will be films, downloads, full technical specs, interviews, animations of new technologies,
360° of all three colours and much much more!

Make sure you are in front of your computer next
Thursday to be the first to see the new VFR!"


Hmmmmm... so that's like, 12 midnight, tonight? :wari:

Swoop
8th October 2009, 08:42
Hmmmmm... so that's like, 12 midnight, tonight?
Or 11pm tonight???:scratch:

vifferman
8th October 2009, 11:27
Or 11pm tonight???:scratch:
No, 12 PM tonight (we're on daylight robbery time = clocks an hour forward).
I had the day wrong though.

vifferman
8th October 2009, 11:30
Or 11pm tonight???:scratch:
No, 11 PM tonight (we're on daylight robbery time = clocks an hour forward).
Apparently, the dealers (in Mrka and elsewhere) are getting a sneak preview (happening already).

Swoop
8th October 2009, 11:32
No, 11 PM tonight (we're on daylight robbery time = clocks an hour forward).
Phew. I thought I was going to have to hand back my School Cert Math's certificate.:weep:

vifferman
8th October 2009, 11:36
Phew. I thought I was going to have to hand back my School Cert Math's certificate.:weep:
Yeah, I got confused initially: "Hmmmm... we're 12 hours ahead of them, so if it's being unveiled at 11AM on the 8th, that means 12 midnight the day before for us."
I forgot it was the same instant, so the date's plus one.

There were rumours of three bikes: 1200 ST (to replace the ST1300), 1200 Sportsbike (Blackbird) and a 1000cc sports bike (VFR800 replacement).
Very unlikely due to tooling required for another engine - more likely is just a 1200 donk with two different fairing/seat/handlebar options, and a choice of AT or manual (as this is supposed to be easy to just slot in as a manufacturing option). Both will have E-DCBS+ABS.

Swoop
8th October 2009, 11:38
Yeah, I got confused initially.
I had to take my socks off, with all the adding that was going on.
Phew! Stinky foots!:pinch:

BMWST?
8th October 2009, 12:27
if it looks anything like those pics,goes and feels anything like the old vfr 750/1000,has good gas consumption,and good for at least 300 ks per tank,i think i am looking at my next bike

Maha
8th October 2009, 14:08
The 'look' of it is a tad wierd with that skinny dude riding it, I wanna visualise it packed and ready for 10 days away.

Blackbird
9th October 2009, 06:44
Here's a link to photos and specs of the touring version. Not as ugly as I thought but with that weight, no substitute for the Blackbird. I just hope that they shed a few kilos and pretty it up for the sporting version.

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/10/2010-honda-vfr1200f-shamu-live.html

EDIT: even more info here: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/2010-honda-vfr1200f---full-vfr1200-specs-and-pics/8430.html

vifferman
9th October 2009, 07:35
More piccies in the Sport Touring forum (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,45274.0.html).

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/100809bottom.jpg
Looks like it's got some BMW and Moby Dick DNA mixed in there with the Honda blood....

nudemetalz
9th October 2009, 07:43
I see a lot of BMW K1300 style in it.
Not surprising, considering it's the direct competitor.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/turbo_NZ/100708top.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/turbo_NZ/honda-vfr1200f-3_800x0w.jpg

Reckless
9th October 2009, 07:47
First glance looked like a BMW, functional but a bit Fugly?

Looks better on the vid though.

Looks typical VFR to me. My good riding buddy has the 08 800 Anniversery model and this seems a bit the same in features to me. Its a bike we should all own (like his 800), as it has all the fruit, best most comfy riding position, goes freckin well, damn near keeps up with the sport bikes though the twisties, but it just don't look sexy enough. His is one of the best touring bikes I've ridden, sounds good with his custom pipes.
I know I should buy a bike for function over appeal but for me it just doesn't quite flick the right switches, same with this new model. I keep wandering off and drooling over the V2 Aprillia or even the Daytona 675? Although final decision reserved till I see one!

Just my 2c.

Interceptor
9th October 2009, 07:48
Info is now on the Honda UK site:

Honda UK: http://ww1.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/

VFR 1200 Promo from Honda UK site: http://www.feelvfr.com/en_GB/pages/mainpage

Brochure (21MB pdf): http://videos.feelv4.com/vfr/images/pdfs/EIL_UK.pdf


Enjoy!

Blackbird
9th October 2009, 08:28
I know I should buy a bike for function over appeal but for me it just doesn't quite flick the right switches,
Just my 2c.

Yup! Doesn't do it for me either in the way that the Blackbird did when I first saw it. I've come to realise that that if a bike doesn't have emotional appeal pretty soon after seeing it, I won't be buying it, irrespective of what features it has. I'm not saying that's the way it should be, it's simply how something inside me works. The recent "journey" to look at a replacement for my 'bird was proof of that with the Street Triple winning through.

BMWST?
9th October 2009, 09:15
More piccies in the Sport Touring forum (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,45274.0.html).

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/100809bottom.jpg
Looks like it's got some BMW and Moby Dick DNA mixed in there with the Honda blood....

i revise my earlier statemnt...the pipe and rear end is just awful...

Swoop
9th October 2009, 09:39
i revise my earlier statemnt...the pipe and rear end is just awful...

Hmm. The pipe is crap but the back end isn't as HIDEOUS as the front fairing...:puke:

Engineering is interesting, but...

Reckless
9th October 2009, 11:26
i revise my earlier statement...the pipe and rear end is just awful...


Agreed, although I don't mind the taillight design thats pretty sexy. A tail tidy would get rid of that big numberplate and guard thingy, that would help!
There might be laws saying they have to guard against spray off the rear wheel so they may have had to put that rear bit on.

Wonder how comfy it is for a pillion, seeing as how its a Tourer. That rear seat looks a bit thin.

Slowbionekanowbi
9th October 2009, 11:56
I like it :-) I wonder if they will take my 500 as a trade Ha ha ha

Danae
9th October 2009, 12:13
Well, I wasn't expecting to like it and I'm no disappointed. Honda need to do a re-release of the 400s (VFR + RVF). With some delicious new paint scheme.

Mort
9th October 2009, 12:21
Nice bike but a real techno-barge. Not my cup of tea. If they'd made a RVF1000RR I'd have a deposit in now...

vifferman
9th October 2009, 12:32
I dunno iffen you lurkers have found it in the links on some of the sites yet, but there's a range of accessories already listed for it: tank bag, cases, GPS, hand guards, different seats, bike cover, hugger, etc.

Swoop
9th October 2009, 12:34
I dunno iffen you lurkers have found it in the links on some of the sites yet, but there's a range of accessories already listed for it: tank bag, cases, GPS, hand guards, different seats, bike cover, hugger, etc.

Fuck. The harley davidson marketing department has moved to Honda.

Crasherfromwayback
9th October 2009, 12:36
A Beemer with Honda badging!

puddytat
9th October 2009, 13:26
Ewwwww:eek5::sick:,thats just ugly....

Qkchk
9th October 2009, 13:35
Glad I didn't wait around to trade my VFR800 in on one!

Reckless
9th October 2009, 14:49
A Beemer with Honda badging!

Ha my thoughts to crasher!:clap:


First glance looked like a BMW, functional but a bit Fugly?

Maha
9th October 2009, 14:50
The video does it justice, seeing it in its natural environment (the road) but would I own one? dont know, jury is still out and eating Pizza. I saw the white/black VFR800 at Cyclespot the other day, only nine in the country? Now theres a nice bike, even for a white bike, yes I would own that.

AllanB
9th October 2009, 15:26
I'd like to see it decked out with colour coded hard bags on the rear - pretty sure it will appeal more then. Presently the 'touring' front mated to a skinny sport arse looks out of place to me - a bit like those girls with really big boobs and skinny 'boy' hips - not right. And the muffler is crap - paint it wrinkle black please.

It will do well - the existing VFR is far from beautiful looking and has been in the Honda stable for how many years now?

I'll reserve visual judgement until I see one in the flesh as recently I've been wrong going by release photos only.

I'm interested to see how the engine preforms....hmmmm 1200cc V4 :drool:

vifferman
9th October 2009, 18:13
I'd like to see it decked out with colour coded hard bags on the rear - pretty sure it will appeal more then.
http://mrmoto.smugmug.com/photos/674128040_QNka9-M.jpg


And here's a "live" one (bigger image) (http://www.honda-access.com/268/en/Images/99171.jpg).

I'm interested to see how the engine preforms....hmmmm 1200cc V4 :drool:
How does 172.72bhp at 10,000rpm and 85lb/ft of torque at 8,750rpm sound?

Swoop
9th October 2009, 18:36
I think some photoshop guru has been at your image VM. I wouldn't trust a centrestand that is almost vertical!!

Wiki Drifter
9th October 2009, 18:47
Honda VFR1200F Technical Specification

Engine
Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke UNICAM 76° V-4 engine
Displacement 1.237 cc
Bore Stroke 81 60 mm
Compression Ratio 12 : 1
Max. Power Output ED: 127 kW / 10.000 min-1 (95/1/EC)
F: 83 kW / 9.500 min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque ED: 129 Nm / 8.750 min-1 (95/1/EC)
F: 115 Nm / 4000 min-1 (95/1/EC)
Idling Speed 1.050 - 1.250 min-1
Oil Capacity 4 litres

Fuel System
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Aircleaner Oil-permeated, viscous-type paper filter
Fuel Tank Capacity 18,5 litres

Electrical System
Ignition System Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Ignition Timing 6,4° -10,4° BTDC (idle speed)
Sparkplug Type IMR9E-9HES (NGK); VUH27ES (DENSO)
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V - 11,6 Ah (YTZ14)
ACG Output 560 W
Headlights 2 x H7 (2x 55 W)
Tail-light 21 / 5 W dual-light

Drive Train
Clutch Wet, multiplate slipper type
Clutch Operation Hydraulic
Transmission Type Constant mesh 6-speed
Primary Reduction 1,738 (73/42)

Gear Ratios
1. 2,6000 (39/15)
2. 1,7368 (33/19)
3. 1,3636 (30/22)
4. 1,1600 (29/25)
5. 1,0322 (32/31)
6. 0,9393 (31/33)
Final Reduction 2,6990
Final Drive Shaft

Frame
Type Diamond; aluminium twin-spar

Chassis
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2.244 x886 x1.222 mm
Wheelbase 1.545 mm
Caster Angle 25° 5'
Trail 101,5 mm
Turning Radius 3.2 m
Seat Height 815 mm
Ground Clearance 130 mm
Kerb Weight 267 kg
Maximum permissible mass: 463 kg

Suspension
Type Front 43 mm HMAS cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless preload adjustment, 120 mm axle travel
Rear Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper, 7-step (stepless remote-controlled hydraulic) preload and
stepless rebound damping adjustment, 130 mm axle travel

Wheels
Type Front 5-spoke hollow gravity die cast aluminium
Rear 7-spoke gravity die cast aluminium
Rim Size Front: 17M/C x MT3.50
Rear: 17M/C x MT6.00
Tyre Size Front 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear 190/55 ZR17M/C (75W)
Tyre Pressure Front 250 kPa
Rear 290 kPa

Brakes
Type Front 320 mm dual floating hydraulic disc with two 6-piston calipers, ABS and sintered metal pads
Rear 276 mm hydraulic disc with 6-piston caliper, ABS and sintered metal pads

==============================

Kerb Weight 267 kg :crazy: I am disappoint......

Hope Honda will bring back a light sports tourer like the CBR600F some day...

sAsLEX
9th October 2009, 18:49
I think some photoshop guru has been at your image VM. I wouldn't trust a centrestand that is almost vertical!!

Shadows looks wrong on the stand as well

vifferman
9th October 2009, 19:55
I think some photoshop guru has been at your image VM. I wouldn't trust a centrestand that is almost vertical!!


Shadows looks wrong on the stand as well
What's your point?
Did you look at the link after that pic - the luggage (and centrestand) are real.

AllanB
9th October 2009, 20:06
See that looks the part with the luggage on - I am surprised at the sporty nature of the riders posture in that photo, I though he'd be a bit more upright.
Bet it will be a huge km eater.

Wondering about the fuel economy, as for a tourer the tank holds a few litres less than expected.

cheshirecat
9th October 2009, 20:45
Couple of things that stick out, first the braking power is increased bigtime because the new abs means you can really hammer it in all conditions (always good in my book even though I don't ride on my brakes), and second, new narrow engine seems significantly narrower and shorter giving all manner of benefits. The Honda guy says its almost as narrow as a v twin which is quite something. Now where's that spare 30 grand.

Chrislost
9th October 2009, 21:24
I see a lot of BMW K1300 style in it.
Not surprising, considering it's the direct competitor.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/turbo_NZ/100708top.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/turbo_NZ/honda-vfr1200f-3_800x0w.jpg

Give me a NC30 any day!
that thing is a beached whale!

zadok
9th October 2009, 22:43
I had high hopes for the new bike, seeing as it is possibly replacing the ST1300 as well.........but that exhaust! and more importantly, I can't see a pillion doing too many k's on that seat!

Elysium
10th October 2009, 06:46
Though it has a small badge on the fairing, I still think it needs the classic Honda Wings on the fuel tank.

Swoop
10th October 2009, 10:24
What's your point?
Did you look at the link after that pic - the luggage (and centrestand) are real.
Yup, looked at the link. The point was that it looks as though an "artist" has altered the photo slightly. The centrestand almost appears to be leaning forward. That would be just lovely... hopping off and walking away from it... then hearing a crunch...:devil2:

new narrow engine seems significantly narrower and shorter giving all manner of benefits. The Honda guy says its almost as narrow as a v twin which is quite something. Now where's that spare 30 grand.
Quite so.
I wonder if this is an appeasement to the VTR riders...

More power from a lightened engine. Physically smaller engine. Simplified engine (sort of).
Nothing has been hinted at pricewise...:spanking:



Also, why has it been released in three bland colours yet the promo bikes are black, which is not available?

RavenR44
10th October 2009, 13:03
I'm trying hard to like it but not succeeding as yet.

Random thoughts:

No mention of VTEC. Binned technology perhaps?
Front looks too 'heavy' for the rear.
The front of the fairing/lights reminds me of a Goldwing tourer rather than the 800's more sport oriented looks.
The muffler - lordy, what were they thinking. I'll bet the first thing they change when the facelift appears will be that can. Bleccch...
Too much decoration in the design. It's more about the form than the function I think, and that fussiness detracts from the bike's potential appeal.

Yep, it's only my opinion so it means now't, but it seems to be an admission by the designers that they missed the boat, in adding so much bling to the package.

Disappointing would be my summary. The current VFR certainly looks better to my eyes. But it might grow on me in time. Fair to add that I'm not going to be holding my breath though.:scratch:

AllanB
10th October 2009, 13:20
No mention of VTEC. Binned technology perhaps?

I'd say it's gone - oddly enough it was a constant bitch in magazine reviews, in fact one of the latest NZ mags has a review on a white one and list in the negatives the VTEC kick at 6,000. I find this very odd, as reviewers typically bitch and moan at engines with no spunk - ie flat and uniform power all the way. I always though the VTEC kick was a nice sporty touch.
In reality it's probably just not required on a V4 1200 - there will be plenty of guts in the engine.

Price? who knows but there may be a run on the 800 soon if it is hellishly expensive as you can get them new for under $17k if you shop around.

Swoop
10th October 2009, 14:16
The muffler - lordy, what were they thinking. I'll bet the first thing they change when the facelift appears will be that can. Bleccch...
There is a rumour that it is designed to stimulate the aftermarket parts business...

RavenR44
10th October 2009, 14:21
There is a rumour that it is designed to stimulate the aftermarket parts business...

And that rumour'd be dead right - if ever there was a rationale for an aftermarket exhaust, that's it right there. ;)

Swoop
10th October 2009, 14:23
And that rumour'd be dead right - if ever there was a rationale for an aftermarket exhaust, that's it right there. ;)
Aftermarket? More like pre-market.
If I were to purchase one of these, it would be a condition of sale that the mechanic gets out the hacksaw and removes it, PRIOR to sale.:first:

motorbyclist
12th October 2009, 11:54
There is a rumour that it is designed to stimulate the aftermarket parts business...

i've always suspected as much, seeing as no japanese manufacturer sells with a decent exhaust nor fancy suspension. that said it would be nice if they assume we buy custom, that they don't spend so much money on the standard.


of course the other problem is that they have to stuff a cat in there somewhere, and looking at the new 'blade muffler there's some actuating valves going on inside there....

Swoop
12th October 2009, 12:32
of course the other problem is that they have to stuff a cat in there somewhere,
The cat is located on the left hand side of the engine (somewhere) then routes across to the RH side exhaust.:scratch:

Geemsee
12th October 2009, 12:47
There's no point in getting married, you may as well just buy a woman you hate a house and give her half of your money to save time! :bash: only kidding!!

Swoop
12th October 2009, 13:08
There's no point in getting married, you may as well just buy a woman you hate a house and give her half of your money to save time! :bash: only kidding!!

OK. I'll bite.
What does that have to do with a 2010 V4 VFR?

vifferman
12th October 2009, 13:18
The cat is located on the left hand side of the engine (somewhere) then routes across to the RH side exhaust.:scratch:
From what I can gather, it's all contained in the GIGANTIC monstrosity on the RH side.

Swoop
12th October 2009, 13:56
From what I can gather, it's all contained in the GIGANTIC monstrosity on the RH side.
The newvfr website had something on one of the video thingy's iirc. Definately caught my attention.

BMWST?
12th October 2009, 15:05
The newvfr website had something on one of the video thingy's iirc. Definately caught my attention.

wot,the video or the zaust?

Swoop
12th October 2009, 19:57
wot,the video or the zaust?

The comment on the video caught my attention.

The exhaust makes me :puke:

Paul_C
12th October 2009, 20:18
Um... Don't think I'll be trading up then.

Maybe if I was a little older, with a pillion and considering that or a K1300GT.

Geemsee
13th October 2009, 08:35
There's no point in getting married, you may as well just buy a woman you hate a house and give her half of your money to save time! :bash: only kidding!!

blimey, I thought I was responding to a completely different thread, not sure how that happened?!! :doh:

RavenR44
13th October 2009, 09:33
Um... Don't think I'll be trading up then.

Maybe if I was a little older, with a pillion and considering that or a K1300GT.

Only if you're 65 already I'd venture. Or 70-ish... I'm ancient enough to remember the building of Stonehenge, yet it's not weaving its magic magnetic attraction voodoo on me thus far. Perhaps the epiphany is lurking just around the corner but.

[He says, shaking his head and poking out bottom lip]

RavenR44
13th October 2009, 09:45
I'd have done a poll for this off post musing, but as I have no clue how to do that and have an irrational fear of reading the instructions for most everything, I'll just write this instead.

The can on the new viffer has excited some comment about its shortage of beauty-osity, which is little to do with my point. Which is actually one about spelling. How does one spell 'exhaust' correctly within these fair forums?

Zorst?
Igzoast?
Zhorsed?
Zoarsst?
Can?
WhaleCockZorst™?
Zaust?

Feel free to contribute your Wiki-like tautology on the topic. Or not as you think fit. Ten-Q.

[Wonders how long before post is consigned to R&R by the eagle-eyed mods]

ital916
13th October 2009, 10:07
Honda had a clean slate. A brill engine. Plenty of public opinions and awesome heritage to work off. I reckon they dropped the ball with this one. Plain n simple. It doesnt matter if it has warp drive and can make you a cup of coffee. They dropped the ball.

Swoop
13th October 2009, 10:34
After deep thought, the following scenario makes sense.

Engineers. Make a superb engine, more power, lighter, "extra good stuff, less bad stuff". They stand back and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. "Righto, off to the pub for a pint of sake!" and they shove the finished engine into the next shop.

Here, the lads see a wonderful engine and knock up a frame, electronic gizmo's and wire it all together. "Righto, off to the pub to join the engineers in a pint of sake! We can hear the singing from the pub already!". and they shove the rolling bike into the body shop.

The people here are dressed like fashion designers...
Hearing the drunken singing from the pub, they quickly bolt on a back end from the last model and then tell the cleaners to find something to put onto the front end. "Righto, off to the pub for a gin and tonic, cocktails and a good arse-shagging session!" (they are Honda designers...).

The pub is rocking along, designers being shagged in the corner, when one of them remembers that the release date is nigh.
A quick txt to the last cleaner to leave the building, sees the bike crated and off to the "big reveal" at a major press show.

Up comes the curtain and Mr Honda chokes on his sushi. "Fuck, I guess we have to run with that now!" he says.


Similarities to the Homer Simpson designed car, are purely fictional.

nudemetalz
13th October 2009, 11:41
Similarities to the Homer Simpson designed car, are purely fictional.

hmmm,...I do see the similarities....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/turbo_NZ/homer_dreamcar.gif

vifferman
13th October 2009, 12:12
hmmm,...I do see the similarities....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/turbo_NZ/homer_dreamcar.gif
It's Eggs Zachary the same, yet stoatally different - it doesn't appear to have the WhaleCockZorst(TM).
Of course, it could well be hiding inconspicuously on the right-hand side, like on the VFR. :confused:

Swoop
13th October 2009, 13:38
hmmm,...I do see the similarities....

Damn if Homer didn't fit a better horn than the OEM Honda one...

BMWST?
13th October 2009, 16:12
i can live with the front end,but the zaust and the rear seat /guard/taillight is like it is meant for another bike completely

NZsarge
14th October 2009, 09:15
i can live with the front end,but the zaust and the rear seat /guard/taillight is like it is meant for another bike completely

Are you tryin' to say it's ugly? It's alright mate you can say it.... coz it's ugly.

chrispy121
14th October 2009, 19:57
Are you tryin' to say it's ugly? It's alright mate you can say it.... coz it's ugly.

ugly and now a lot more money to register!

motorbyclist
14th October 2009, 23:54
Honda had a clean slate. A brill engine. Plenty of public opinions and awesome heritage to work off. I reckon they dropped the ball with this one. Plain n simple. It doesnt matter if it has warp drive and can make you a cup of coffee. They dropped the ball.

they already dropped the ball waaay back when they released the current vfr800 in 07(?)

Swoop
15th October 2009, 10:06
they already dropped the ball waaay back when they released the current vfr800 in 07
Really?



There is an interesting rumour going around the US VFR guys, that they may keep the 800 in production.

Reckless
15th October 2009, 10:12
Really?

There is an interesting rumour going around the US VFR guys, that they may keep the 800 in production.

I can see that! A lot of Mid CC guys won't want to go to 1200cc tyres and petrol costs?
I've already posted won't this move to 1200cc leave a hole in their mid range??

ital916
20th October 2009, 11:48
The vfr started as a hardcore sportsbike. If anything the new vfr1200 should have been the blackbird replacement to contend with the busa. A real shame as I think no matter how you look at it the new vfr1200 has destroyed the vfr line of bikes. Just like how vm golfs got fatter and slower and uglier, only VW realized this and made them badass again.

cheshirecat
23rd October 2009, 15:55
Paddle clutch review on VFR1200

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/honda-vfr1200f-launch-dct-transmission/8566.html

Might be posted earlier up the thread

AllanB
23rd October 2009, 16:30
they already dropped the ball waaay back when they released the current vfr800 in 07(?)

What a silly statement. If it was that bad then why has it continued for 22 years?
I could dig up a shit load of reviews stating how good it is, even one last month in a Kiwi magazine.

The only thing that surprised me over over the two decades of it's life was that Honda did not increases the capacity to 900 ish as was often requested. Maybe it was not a viable option for the engine.

Mystic13
24th October 2009, 09:42
I think the front and rear are really attractive. I really love the look of the stubby exhaust. If only I had the money.

Nope, it didn't work. I hoped if I said nice things I'd overcome my initial reaction. I so wanted to love this bike.

If there is one thing you can learn from this exercise it's "Never design a bike in Europe". I wonder if Honda went for distinctive look but landed on ugly instead.

Other than that the engine and a lot about the bike sound great. I'm looking forward to seeing it in the flesh, taking it for a test ride and hopefully finding a replacement for my current steed. Price could be a problem though.

It will have to pass the pillion test.

Mystic13
24th October 2009, 09:44
A Beemer with Honda badging!

A beemer with Honda reliability.

Actually I think it's much more than a beemer. Much, much more.

I'm also a big DSG fan. So how much does that feature cost.

vifferman
24th October 2009, 10:16
The only thing that surprised me over over the two decades of it's life was that Honda did not increases the capacity to 900 ish as was often requested. Maybe it was not a viable option for the engine.
Not so - you've forgotten about the VF1000 of the mid- to late '80s.
Also, I have a suspicion that the VFR1200 has been under development for the last 5 years at least. The VF/VFR has had a 4-year model cycle, up until the Vtec, but even that had somewhat of a minor refresh in 2006, with some changes made to the Vtec engagement. It kinda signalled one of two things: either Honda was about to dump the V4, or a major redevelopment was afoot. And this IS major: everything is new (completely new engine layout and size, new gearbox, new braking system, new frame, yada yada), apart from the rider dynamics: the seat-bars-footpeg triangle is almost identical to that of the Vtec.

The look is growing on me, but it's still not attractive. Apart from the 'dumbo ears' front confirminators (since replaced) and the fugly swingarm/hub, my bike looks great from most angles. The VFR1200 at least looks OK from the cockpit...

BMWST?
24th October 2009, 15:18
Not so - you've forgotten about the VF1000 of the mid- to late '80s.


if the engine is patch on that one,with half decent economy,and the handling is balanced/neutral I will still be tempted

Swoop
24th October 2009, 15:39
It will have to pass the pillion test.
That should be an easy test. Pillion seats on the Honda are very good, as one would expect from this sport/tourer.

Pedrostt500
24th October 2009, 15:42
The saber came out as a 1100 V4 it was marketed as the V65 sabre in the states.

vifferman
25th October 2009, 11:09
The Mrkns were very impressed (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/3/340/1/Motorcycle-Blog-Post/2010-VFR1200F-First-Ride-Blog.aspx) by the journo testing they did in Japan.

motorbyclist
25th October 2009, 14:37
they already dropped the ball waaay back when they released the current vfr800 in 07(?)


What a silly statement. If it was that bad then why has it continued for 22 years?.

learn to read you twat.

i said '07, not '87!


just rode the 07 vfr800 again and reconfirmed my strong preference for the previous models - vtec is stupid (i want power ALL the time from my v4) - and it feels like i'm riding a car, not a bike.

then hopped back on my rvf400 and damn did i have fun :D

motorbyclist
25th October 2009, 14:41
The Mrkns were very impressed (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/3/340/1/Motorcycle-Blog-Post/2010-VFR1200F-First-Ride-Blog.aspx) by the journo testing they did in Japan.

of course they are - anything that goes fast in a straight line will impress them



apparently there is no clutch lever or foot gear shift for a manual or even semi-auto mode. they use a bycycle sytem of "flappy paddle" gear shift like a car.

the vfr is officially a car.

fucking honda have fucked up BIG time.

Danae
26th October 2009, 12:19
Dammit Honda!

This (http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2009/10/21/vo.tokyo.motor.show.monocycle.cnn) only makes me feel slightly less disappointed.

BMWST?
26th October 2009, 14:02
of course they are - anything that goes fast in a straight line will impress them



apparently there is no clutch lever or foot gear shift for a manual or even semi-auto mode. they use a bycycle sytem of "flappy paddle" gear shift like a car.

the vfr is officially a car.

fucking honda have fucked up BIG time.
there is a manual version OR a dct version isnt there?

vifferman
28th October 2009, 08:01
of course they are - anything that goes fast in a straight line will impress them

apparently there is no clutch lever or foot gear shift for a manual or even semi-auto mode. they use a bycycle sytem of "flappy paddle" gear shift like a car.

the vfr is officially a car.

fucking honda have fucked up BIG time.
You're way off beam with these comments - check this (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/115/4911/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Honda-VFR1200F-First-Ride.aspx) out.
Here's a couple of salient comments:

"On the track is where it became obvious that the VFR1200F is a sportbike first, that just happens to be comfortable enough double as a touring machine."

And:

"Connecting the corners is a lot of fun with that big V4 purring, growling and making serious power across the rev range. No matter where I was on the track and whether I was riding the automatic (in S-mode) or the manual transmission bike, it is an absolute rocket. Now to be fair, there are probably a couple of faster sport-touring bikes available, but the VFR will give them a run for their money."

And:
"Don’t be misled into thinking the auto clutch is a snoozer. In S-mode the motorcycle is as fun as the standard version. To my surprise the bike shifts in a very intuitive manner, making both up- and downshifts precisely and effectively on the track to the point where I was comfortable letting the bike do the work while I focused on enjoying myself on the winding, twisty Sugo race track. The VFR never initiated an unwanted shift, and yet if you don’t agree with the gear it chooses then simply select a different gear with the paddle shifter. The bike reverts to manual mode as soon as you intervene."

Sounds pretty good to me.

Still don't like the exhaust, despite this comment:
"I found that it really does sound great, especially at the upper end of the rev range when the engine is at full song."